Tag: nEWS
Mike O’Hearn: How Being Macho In Bodybuilding Can Backfire
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Mike O’Hearn talks about the dangers of hiding behind muscle and being “macho” in bodybuilding.
Nearly everyone at some point in their lives deals with anxiety or depressive thoughts. We all go through traumas and tragedies at some point or another. Some of us deal with a constant state of anxiety or depression. Fitness and bodybuilding can be a great tool to help combat these negative thoughts, feelings, and habits. But there can also be a darker side of the coin when it comes to bodybuilding, muscle, and “macho” behavior. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Mike O’Hearn shares his past experiences with tragedy, anxiety, and depression and how hiding behind muscle and being macho made things harder – not easier.
The past year and a half has been a trying time for nearly everyone in the world to some degree or another. Cases of depression and anxiety have risen as we all deal with a truly traumatic and unprecedented event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why during our conversation with Mike O’Hearn – we asked how he deals with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Mike O’Hearn is an extremely focused and proactive person. It’s been well documented and discussed how seriously he takes his bodybuilding lifestyle. He gets up at the crack of dawn to train every single morning. He never misses one day. On top of that, he’s stuck to an incredibly strict diet to obtain a physique that many think is impossible to build without steroids. O’Hearn has stayed consistent in his all natural claims. With the kind of intense routine he follows – he just might be one of the few to really pull that kind of natural physique off.
But behind all of that focus and strict routine – how does he deal with anxiety and depression? What does Mike O’Hearn do when life throws a tragic curveball? We asked this very question to O’Hearn during our latest interview.
Mike O’Hearn reflects back on two times in his life that were very painful. It was the moment his mother and father passed away. Both deaths occurred separate from each other. His father passed first. At the time, O’Hearn decided to push his emotions and grief down. He wanted to be strong and macho. The kind of strong man that mentally to mach his massive muscle.
It wasn’t until after Mike O’Hearn’s mother passed away that the pain and grief he was suppressing all poured out. Everything that he had avoided during his father’s death boiled up to the surface on top of his new grief upon his mother passing. O’Hearn spiraled into a depressed state. The only thing that brought consistency into his life was his ongoing training and nutrition schedule. It was the only thing he had control over.
Ultimately, Mike O’Hearn slowly recovered and pulled himself out of the hole. By facing his emotions and admitting to others that he was facing emotional struggles – he was able to finally face a series of grief that he had been avoiding for years.
Mike O’Hearn tops off the conversation with advice for others who are facing anxiety or depression. Speak out about it. Be open and don’t be afraid to reveal the pain you are going through. Whether that’s speaking to a family member, a friend, or getting professional help.
Many bodybuilders entered into the bodybuilding lifestyle because they wanted to be strong. Perhaps because they were bullied as a kid or simply unhappy with the way they looked. This creates a sort of macho mentality down the road. Bodybuilders will do anything possible to appear strong – not just physically but emotionally.
Mike O’Hearn wants the world to know that it’s okay to open up. That there is actual strength in admitting to grief or anxiety or depression. Instead of hiding behind muscle and a tough guy persona – be honest with not only yourself but also others. It will make you stronger in the end. It will also hopefully make you a happier and more fulfilled person in the big picture.
You can watch Mike O’Hearn discuss anxiety, depression, and bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Sergio Oliva Jr. and Nick Walker Recent Beef Explained
Sergio Oliva Jr. and Nick Walker engaged in some serious beef.
Bodybuilding standouts, both looking to name for themselves got into a complicated beef. Sergio Oliva Jr. and Nick Walker had some back and forth online that sparking some beef between the two.
Beef makes the bodybuilding world go round it seems. Lately many bodybuilding competitors have been getting into some pretty heated exchanges online. In fact it seems as if Nick Walker continues to find himself in the middle of all these recent bodybuilding beefs. First it was Walker and Blessing Awodibu who had some beef ahead of the NY Pro. They have since put their rivalry to bed. But in the midst of that there appeared to be another beef brewing.
Nick Walker has since engaged in a bit of a back and forth with fellow Open Bodybuilding competitor Sergio Oliva Jr. The beef between the two appeared to have started because of some news revealed about Oliva.
During a podcast with Fouad Abiad, Nick Walker revealed that Sergio Oliva Jr. would not be competing at the Chicago Pro. It was news to everyone as Oliva had not commented on it himself. For that very reason, Oliva was pretty livid about the situation and decided to take his grievances to social media.
Sparked Beef
In the Instagram video Sergio Oliva Jr. explained that he trusted three people with the information. While he did not mention Nick Walker by name, the fact that bodybuilder had the info and shared it on the podcast would suggest that Oliva was speaking of Walker. This is speculation of course as nothing has been confirmed.
Sergio Oliva Jr. was certainly in his rights to be upset. As explained in the video it put him in a pretty bad spot from a business perspective to have the news break in that manner.
After this video dropped, Fouad Abiad left a pretty lengthy response in the comments. It revealed even more about what was going on between Sergio Oliva Jr. and Abiad. The two had a bit of a back and forth, both of them sharing their sides of the story.
So where does Nick Walker work into all of this? After all, so far it seems like the issue was between Oliva and Abiad. Well it appears that the beef between Walker and Oliva came to public fruition after a couple of social media posts made by the two.
Online Confrontation
It appears to have started with a post made by Sergio Oliva Jr. The caption in the post read as follows:
People get so upset when you say facts. I’m sorry I’m talking about your favorite bodybuilder. Doesn’t mean I’m lying when I say the shows have been weak. I’m not attacking anyone I said it’s not the winners fault they still killed it. I even said it’s no ones fault really. We all got screwed by COVID so people are getting their lives together and couldn’t do the beginning shows. But I just wanted to post this pic of @sas_heirati he got 5TH at NY Pro. This is what 5th place looked like.
Possibly in response to that post, specifically the notion of the shows being “weak” over the last year, Nick Walker posted the below.
Nothing weak coming in 17 weeks
Putting Things to Bed
From the looks of things, the beef has been heating up between the two. But it appears that Sergio Oliva Jr. tried to squash the beef in the comments of Walker’s post. They had a bit of a back and forth, but it appears like things have since calmed down.
The responses ended there, but it appears that Nick Walker recently commented in his stories saying that he and Sergio Oliva Jr. were now on good terms. It’s good to hear that the beef has been squashed, especially since the situation appeared for more personal than your usual trash talk. This situation was as much about friendship, family, and trust as anything else. To hear that things have since calmed down is certainly a positive outcome.
What do you make of this situation between Sergio Oliva Jr. and Nick Walker?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
2021 Arnold Classic Invites Announced
Bonac, Cambronero, Truscott and Pecinito defend titles at 2021 Arnold Classic
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 15, 2021) — Defending champions William Bonac, Alex Cambronero, Missy Truscott and Elisa Pecini will defend their titles when the Arnold Classic and related IFBB Pro League events return to Columbus in September.
The four defending champions from the 2020 Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International highlight the fields of IFBB Pro League athletes who will take the stage at the 33rd Arnold Classic at the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s Battelle Grand on Sept. 25.
Bonac, who won the Arnold Classic in 2020 and 2018, will try to join Arnold Classic legends Dexter Jackson, Flex Wheeler, Jay Cutler and Kai Greene with at least three Arnold Classic titles. Jackson holds the record with five titles, while Wheeler has four and Cuter and Greene three each.
Those expected to challenge Bonac include Steve Kuclo, who finished a career-best fourth in Columbus in 2020; Sergio Oliva Jr., fifth here last year; and Akim Wllliams, seventh in 2020.
The Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International will attract the world’s best bodybuilders and the fittest men and women on the planet to Columbus to battle for $412,000 in prize money.
The 2021 Arnold Sports Festival, originally scheduled for March, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Cambronero, who won last year in his Arnold Classic debut, and 2020 runner-up Terrence Ruffin top a field of 10 in Arnold Classic Physique. Fabian Mayr earned the automatic invitation for winning the overall Classic Physique title at the 2020 Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.
Truscott, four-time champion Oksana Grishina and 2018 winner Whitney Jones highlight a field of 10 in the Fitness International. Amanda Ciani will make her Arnold debut after winning the overall at the 2020 Arnold Amateur.
In Bikini International, 2020 winner Pecini, two-time winner Ashley Kaltwasser and 2020 Arnold Amateur winner Gabriella Messias highlight a field of 10.
The Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Battelle Grand at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Finals will begin at 7 p.m. Prejudging will be held at 10 a.m. Tickets and hotels will go on sale July 1 at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.
2021 Arnold Classic, Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International Official Invite Lists:
2021 Arnold ClassicLionel BeyekeWilliam BonacMaxx CharlesSeung Chul LeeMokhamed El EmanSteve KucloCedric McMillanHassan MostafaSergio Oliva, Jr.Justin RodriguezIain ValliereAkim Williams
2021 Classic PhysiqueAlex CambroneroDeontrai CampbellJarek CrewLogan FranklinBryan JonesFabian MayrCourage OparaTerrence RuffinTony TavaresDani Younan
2021 Fitness InternationalJaclyn BakerDarrian BorelloAmanda CianiOksana GrishinaWhitney JonesSally Kendall-WilliamsAriel KhadrMinna PajulahtiMissy TruscottArika Tyrgale
2021 Bikini InternationalRomina BasauldoLauralie ChapadosJenn DorieJasmine GonzalezAshley KaltwasserJourdanne LeePriscilla LeimbacherBreena MartinezGabriella MessiasElisa Pecini
CONTACTSNoah Justin | Oak Productions|310-396-5917 [email protected] LaLonde | Arnold Sports Festival | 614.562.0940 | [email protected]
MORE INFORMATIONwww.arnoldsportsfestival.com
The Hadge Brothers Deadlift Some Insane Weight, Including a 905Lb PR
The Hadge Brothers displayed some crazy strength in their recent training.
The Hadge Brothers have taken their gains to new heights. The strongman competitors each showed how much stronger they’ve become in some recent training videos. While Zach Hadge is the more well known of the brothers, it’s Nick who really showed some out of this world strength.
Nick Hadge is an absolute beast. He’s grown stronger and stronger, so much so that his new personal record is reaching insane levels. In fact Nick was able to hit an impressive 905lb deadlift without a lifting suit. That kind of strength can only be improved upon.
The video clip below shows Nick Hadge showcasing his superhuman strength.
905 lb deadlift (no suit) *LIFETIME PR*
The people around me have enough confidence in me for me to have enough confidence in myself. It’s beautiful.
I fell off my longboard 3.5 weeks ago and haven’t deadlifted since then so this was an indicator day- it went well.
Also my mom was here today. The last time she saw me deadlift was when I set the junior world record deadlift at 815 in 2016. My team was there today as well. (Not all of my team) & I woke up uncontrollably focused. I placed my balisong in front of my bar.
Nick Hadge wasn’t the only one to showcase some impressive strength. Zach Hadge also impressed with some massive numbers in his recent training. Zach and his client Ted both pulled some great numbers on the deadlift for the latter’s birthday.
The saga continues…
Yesterday was one of those turning point days, and we could all feel it coming. I’ve been extra strict on my team, and even more so with myself lately. But I can see it actively paying off, so I’m not stopping.
Yesterday was extra special, not only because a bunch of us hit PRs, but it was my great friend and client Ted’s birthday. We have been hitting PRs together for over 5 years now, and you inspire me in and outside of the gym. I am extremely grateful for you and your amazing family. #teamWinston
Video 1: 765×4 (rep PR by Zach) I haven’t been able to workout much the last few weeks dealing with a stomach bug, but it looks like Nick and I benefited from our forced rest days.
Video 2: 515×1 (20lb PR by @twwinston) I remember your first 500 hex bar deadlift when you turned 50! Absolute pleasure celebrating another birthday with another PR. Congratulations brother, you are the epitome of what it means to be on Team Hadge. ??❤️
It’s clear that the Hadge Brothers and their team continuing to grow into truly impressive strength athletes. With numbers like these, the idea that Nick Hadge could possibly pull 1000lbs isn’t farfetched.
What do you think of the Hadge Brothers and their incredible strength?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Samir Bannout On Olympia 1984 Loss: “I Was Intentionally Robbed”
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After winning Mr. Olympia in 1983, Samir Bannout calls his loss in 1984 dirty and highway robbery.
Samir Bannout is a legendary bodybuilder who has the rare distinction of only winning the Mr. Olympia once. That puts him on a short list of pro bodybuilders including the likes of Dexter Jackson. This does not demean the accomplishment. Winning even one Mr. Olympia is a powerful feat. But why did Samir Bannout go from winning first place in 1984 down to sixth place the following year? According to Bannout, this was no accident or problem with his physique. It was an intentional plan to prevent him from victory. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Samir Bannout alleges how he was intentionally robbed out of winning the Mr. Olympia 1984.
Samir Bannout wants to make one thing clear when discussing his Mr. Olympia win and the fallout that came in the following years – he is not unhappy with his past career. Personally, Samir Bannout believes he should have won the Mr. Olympia in 1982. But he’s more than happy with the ultimate single Olympia win he got in 1983. He knows he cannot change the past.
The 1984 Mr. Olympia is a totally different story. Samir Bannout doesn’t simply believe that he should have won – he believes that he did in fact have the winning physique but was sabotaged by insiders in the league. Bannout reiterates that he has no ill will about the loss – but he also has no problem revealing what he believes to be the truth. He alleges that certain individuals intentionally altered the outcome of the Mr. Olympia 1984. This, according to Bannout, is main reason why he dropped down to sixth place.
During this segment of our conversation with Samir Bannout, we track his rise and eventual win at the Mr. Olympia 1983. We also track through his sudden drop off in the years that followed. Bannout discusses how he change up his tactics in order to go from 16th at the Mr. Olympia 1980 all the way to Olympia champion in 1983. He describes himself as trying too hard and creating a mental block on his progress. Once he realized “less is more” – he found a new path towards success.
Of course, that all came crashing down in 1984 when he suddenly dropped down to sixth place at the Mr. Olympia. While Bannout does not name names – he explains how specific individuals wanted to ruin Bannout’s reputation and prevent him from winning the Mr. Olympia again. This, according to Bannout, is the main reason he placed so much lower.
Samir Bannout points to photos of his physique as proof that he was better than a sixth place athlete. It was clear that Bannout and Lee Haney were neck and neck for first place. While Bannout does not completely line out exactly what happened – he implies that his close relationship with Joe Weider led to some jealously in the league. Those jealous individuals worked behind the scenes to take down Bannout as the then-current golden child of the sport.
You can watch Samir Bannout go into complete detail about his Mr. Olympia 1984 experience by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Brad Castleberry Reacts To Recent Videos Defending Against Ongoing Fake Weight Criticism
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Brad Castleberry talks about his new viral videos and reflects on recent big names such as Joe Rogan defending him against fake weight accusations.
Brad Castleberry has stepped slowly away from massive weightlifting viral videos. Instead, he now focuses on different kind of athletic feats beyond the weights. He focuses more on a calisthenic approach with videos that continue to go viral. Somewhat removed from his older videos, Castleberry spends some time with us reflecting on the fake weight criticism he has received over the years. In our latest GI Exclusive, Brad Castleberry reacts to recent videos, such as Joe Rogan, defending Brad against fake weight critics.
Brad Castleberry has alway brought controversy in the bodybuilding world. This is almost exclusively because of his viral weightlifting videos. Many fans in bodybuilding believe that his videos are staged with fake weights. Some YouTubers have even gone to great lengths to analyze the videos and prove that the weights are, indeed, fake.
Of course, due to these critics not being able to inspect the weights in person – there is no conclusive evidence that can prove Brad Castleberry lifts fake weights. This causes the criticism to continue in loops indefinitely. Bodybuilding fans criticize, Castleberry fans defend, and then repeat.
Over time, Brad Castleberry has moved away from the ego lifting viral videos of the past and move towards more calisthenic viral videos. These, of course, hard harder to fake and in general the criticism against him has subsided. Yet his reputation for lifting fake weights after criticism for years has stuck.
In fact, his reputation for fake weights has grown so much that larger online personalities have started to chime in – including Joe Rogan on his podcast. Most interestingly, Joe Rogan has defended Castleberry, believing that the lifts are most likely legitimate. Powerlifter Pitbull Torres has also gone on record to say he believes Castleberry’s lifts are very possible. He sees no reason why they would be fake.
Specifically, both of these men look towards where the videos are being filmed. Namely, these videos are happening largely in commercial gyms. How would Brad Castelberry be able to bring in fake weights to a commercial gym without being caught? Or even more so, without causing trouble with management.
Again, ultimately this is all speculation. We can’t know anything for certain without being there in person. Regardless, we asked Brad Castleberry his thoughts on the more recent videos discussing his weightlifting videos. He feels honored that there are finally credible larger names that are defending him.
While he finds these comments satisfying – he also stands by his original statements. He always knew, in his words, that his videos were not faked. He has grown over the years to learn how to not worry about comments. He simply does what not only makes him happy but what works for his loyal followers. It works for him. He avoids worrying about the criticism and continues to move on.
You can watch Brad Castleberry’s full reaction to defenders against fake weight criticism in our GI Exclusive interview segment above!
How To Watch The 2021 World’s Strongest Man
The 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition is here!
With the ultimate strongman competition upon us, the question from many is how can they tune in for the show. Details have finally been revealed on how to watch the 2021 World’s Strongest Man.
25 athletes will compete for the right to earn the most coveted title in the strongman sphere. With the returning champion Oleksii Novikov looking to repeat his 2020 success, Tom Stoltman and JF Carion hot on his heels, and Brian Shaw looking to pick up a fifth WSM title, this year’s show is developing in quite the event.
The show will also allow spectators after initial refuting that notion. With the new guild lines in place, fans of the show will have a chance to see who wins live.
How to Watch
The competition will take place June 15-20 and will once again air on CBS Sports Network and CBS Television in the U.S. on July 3, 2021. The U.K. broadcast of the show will be on December 26, 2021, on Channel 5.
The show will be broadcast to other territories starting in December of this year. The broadcast will be televised on the following stations:
Australia & New Zealand — ESPN
Canada — TSN
Israel — Sport5
Latin America — ESPN
Pan Asia — Fox Sports Asia
Sub Saharan Africa — Supersport
Serbia — Sportklub
Spain — TV3
Turkey — Saran
Thailand — 3BBTV
Qualifier Competitors
Below is the list of the 25 athletes set to compete at the World’s Strongest Man.
Group 1
Graham Hicks
Maxime Boudreault
Travis Ortmayer
Brian Shaw
Aivars Smaukstelis
Group 2
Mark Felix
Johnny Hansson
Trey Mitchell
Evan Singleton
Tom Stoltman
Group 3
JF Caron
Robert Oberst
Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted
Luke Richardson
Mikhail Shivlyakov
Group 4
Adam Bishop
Terry Hollands
Jerry Pritchett
Konstantine Janashia
Chris van der Linde
Group 5
World’s Strongest Man Events
The events for the WSM competition have also be revealed. Two new events have also been announced for the competition, the Titan’s Turntable and Train Pull. Not every competitor will participate in all of the events.
Competition Schedule:
Qualifying Rounds — June 15-17 (25 athletes competing)
Finals — June 19-20 (10 athletes competing)
The rounds and events are scheduled as follows:
Qualifying Round — Day One
Loading Medley
Squat Lift
Deadlift
Qualifying Round — Day Two
Fingal’s Fingers
Train Pull
Qualifying Round — Day Three
Overhead Medley
Pickaxe Hold
Stone Off
Final — Day One
Giant’s Medley
Titan’s Turntable
REIGN Keg Toss
Final — Day Two
Log Lift
KNAACK Deadlift
Atlas Stones
World’s Strongest Man: BACKSTAGE LIVE
The 2019 World’s Strongest Man Martin Licis is set to be a behind the scenes host of the 2021 show alongside Nick English.
“World’s Strongest Man: BACKSTAGE LIVE presented by SBD” will air on the Facebook event page for the show. Episodes will air at 4 p.m. June 14-15. Full access to the seven episodes can be purchased for $2.99 by following the link here.
Will you been tuning in to the 2021 World’s Strongest Man?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Hadi Choopan Looks So Incredible He Could Win The Olympia
Hadi Choopan is looking Olympia ready.
Hadi Choopan is looking incredible ahead of the 2021 Olympia. The Iranian bodybuilder recently released an update video showcasing just how ready he is to challenge for the Mr.Olympia title.
Over the past few years Hadi Choopan has upped his game. The Iranian bodybuilder has gone from the 212 division to being a top contender for the title of Mr. Olympia. In 2019 he came in third place and even won the people’s champ award. Clearly the fans see that Hadi Choopan has what it takes to challenge the top of the division. Now, once again, Choopan is demonstrating just how prepared he is to take on the world.
The 2020 Olympia saw the crowning of a new Olympia. Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay was able to capture the title with a vastly improved physique and conditioning. Brandon Curry came in a close second, beating out the returning Phil Heath. In turn the seven-time Mr. Olympia was able to place third over Hadi Choopan who many believed should have placed higher.
Incredible Update
Now the Iranian bodybuilder is taking no prisoners and is ready to bring his all in the 2021 show. Hadi Choopan recently released a update video showcasing just how incredible he’s looking more than 17 weeks out from the Olympia.
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When you see his training it’s not hard to believe that Hadi Choopan is reaching a new level. His recent workouts have showcased the level of dedication he’s been putting into his Olympia prep. This leg day training is on a completely different level and features the Persian Wolf developing some insanely massive wheels.
It’s clear that Hadi Choopan has the tools necessary to challenge for the top three in the world. He has packed on the muscle and still has maintained some crazy conditioning. The 2021 Olympia will surely be interesting this year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Lou Ferrigno Answers: Who Deserves To Be Called The Greatest Bodybuilder Of All Time?
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Lou Ferrigno debates who is truly the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
Lou Ferrigno is a bodybuilder who competed in the Golden Era of the sport alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. Even after retiring, he has remained passionate about bodybuilding and fitness up until today. That’s why we asked him who he thinks is the best bodybuilder in the history of the sport. Of course, Ferrigno finds the answer not 100% easy to answer. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Lou Ferrigno answers – who truly deserves to be called the greatest bodybuilder of all time?
Lou Ferrigno competed alongside many greats in his time – and was inspired by legendary bodybuilders before him. He’s stood on stage next to Arnold Schwarzenegger and looked up to Steve Reeves – which inspired him to become a bodybuilder. So who does he think deserves to be called the greatest bodybuilder of all time?
That’s the very question we asked Lou Ferrigno when we sat down with him for a video interview about his latest hearing implant. As a true lover of bodybuilding – he can’t easily pick one name. He compares each legendary bodybuilder like a different type of muscle or sports car. They each stand tall as beautiful and beloved machines (or people). Neither is truly 100% better or worse than the other. It just depends on your preference.
For Lou Ferrigno – that preference might ultimately fall on Steve Reeves. To Ferrigno, Reeves had one of the greatest classic physiques of all time. His proportions, aesthetic, and conditioning all came together like a marble statue. He explains in our interview that it was Steve Reeves who inspired him to become a bodybuilder in the first place. Without Reeves, we wouldn’t have the Incredible Hulk – nor would we have the epic rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger seen in Pumping Iron.
Lou Ferrigno also of course mentions Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bodybuilder who stood tall with seven Mr. Olympia titles and ultimately became an international phenomenon through big screen movies. It’s impossible to deny that Schwarzenegger is in contention for the greatest of all time.
Interestingly enough, Lou Ferrigno does not mention the new school bodybuilders in his self debate trying to determine the best of all time. Perhaps this is due to his connection to the Golden Era. While he does pay attention to the modern sport – he finds the denser physiques less appealing than the Classic Physiques of the past. He enjoys that the sport has spread its wings with multiple divisions. But he does find it a completely different sport than the one he participated in all those years ago.
Ultimately, Lou Ferrigno doesn’t land on a particular name. He does find that the bodybuilders of the past had more camaraderie than bodybuilders today. This is something that he has stated much in the past as well. He also doesn’t completely discount his own name from the options for best of all time. He doesn’t go as far to say he is the greatest – but he believes that his placement and past shows – including the Mr. Universe – put him as an option (a type of sports car to go back to the analogy) that some would find preferable to the rest.
You can watch Lou Ferrigno go into full detail about the best bodybuilders of all time in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 2: Bodyguarding, Crazy Fight Stories, & Bodybuilding
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Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin discuss Logan Paul vs Floyd Mayweather, crazy bodyguard stories, social media & bodybuilding, and how pro bodybuilding is the hardest sport of them all.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias talks about how the Logan Paul boxing match was boring, his craziest bodyguard stories, and how social media ruined the sport of bodybuilding.
Craig Golias has had quite the rollercoaster of a career. Before becoming a bodybuilder he was a male stripper and a bodyguard. This led to a large variety of crazy and entertaining stories. Some of which Craig discusses in this episode. He was also a competitive bodybuilder before hanging up the towel and focusing on his brand and being an influencer. He shares some stories from his competitive days and why he decided to step down.
He also shares his opinion on how social media affected the sport of bodybuilding. Social media has certainly benefited Craig – but he thinks it has ruined the sport for pure competitive athletes. He also comments about the hardest parts about competitive bodybuilding – stating that it’s the hardest sport in the world.
Logan Paul Vs Floyd Mayweather – “It Was Boring”
Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin’s conversation in this episode came straight off the heels of the much hyped and controversial Logan Paul vs Floyd Mayweather boxing match. Ultimately, Logan Paul lasted the entire match against Mayweather. No knockout occurred. This was a good look for Logan Paul – who was going up against one of the greatest boxers in recent memory.
But to Craig Golias, the boxing match was boring. Because there was no knockout – the fight pretty much slugged along. As far as boxing matches go – Craig found it pretty uneventful. If it weren’t for the two names being so massively popular, this would be a boxing match unremembered.
Vlad Yudin asks Craig if he would ever step in the ring for an exhibition match. Perhaps for charity. Craig Golias admits he’s not much of a fighter – and prefers to stay out of combat. Vlad then asked him theoretically who would be the best opponent for him in the ring. Craig jokes that Big Ramy would be the ultimate opponent. Both of them are sponsored by Enhanced Labs. Both of them are mass monsters. Who would win? Sadly, it will simply be left to the imagination.
Craig Golias’ Bodyguard Stories
Craig Golias also talks about his time as a bodyguard before he was full fledged into bodybuilding. He tells one of the craziest stories from his time as a bodyguard. He was guarding a drug addict who ultimately tried to stiff paying Craig. This caused Craig to loose his patience and wrap his hands around the man’s throat. He was in a popular spot in Las Vegas.
Ultimately, his friends convinced him that it wasn’t worth going to jail over. So he let the man go. Craig claims that he did ultimately follow up with the drug addict and get his fair pay for bodyguarding. Craig Golias’ lesson for others? Make sure to always get paid up front and don’t work with drug addicts.
Bodybuilding Is The Hardest Sport In The World… And Social Media Ruined It
Craig Golias also talks with Vlad Yudin about his years as a competitive bodybuilder. He ultimately stepped down because he didn’t enjoy the back and forth of bulking and then shredding. He also claims that bodybuilding is the hardest sport of them all – above all other major pro sports. He thinks the focus and dedication to transform your body to champion status requires more work than any other sport.
Craig Golias also believes that social media has completely ruined the sport of bodybuilding. He admits that he favors from this shift. Since he no longer competes – he uses social media to promote his training, his clothes, and his overall brand. But Craig believes that serious pro bodybuilders get the short end of the stick.
Specifically, he thinks that influencers get more money than pro bodybuilders do from the sport. Some pro bodybuilders find a way to balance using social media alongside competing – but it’s rare. Craig believe that the prestige and the higher paying sponsorships, magazine covers, etc don’t come through if you are simply a champion level bodybuilder. It now requires a strong social media presence as well. That’s more work. It’s more than competitors needed to do in the past.
Wrap Up
You can watch Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin discuss Logan Paul vs Floyd Mayweather, bodyguard stories, and pro bodybuilding in our new episode of Talking Huge above. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!